Festive Fashion Finds at CII Chandigarh Fair: Haute Couture Highlights India’s Artisanal Heritage

Chandigarh, October 26, 2024: This season, the CII Chandigarh Fair’s Haute Couture section is bringing together an eclectic array of India’s finest ethnic wear and festive accessories, spotlighting handmade treasures crafted by talented artisans from across the country. A perfect destination for fashion-forward shoppers, this year’s fair is alive with colourful kurtis, ornate jewellery, and intricate blouses—all curated to make every wardrobe festive-ready.

In a particularly striking example of women-led entrepreneurship, Jayshree Ben Chawada from Ahmedabad, Gujarat brings the vibrant hand-embroidered traditions of Gujarat to life. With six years of experience in the fashion industry, she has crafted a niche with her Kutch-style kurtis and suits, adorned with thread embroidery and signature mirror work. At 62, Jayshree Ben started her business after her children—two daughters who are advocates and a son who is a doctor—were well-established. Now, she not only designs but also mentors village women, teaching them embroidery skills and providing employment. "These pieces are an extension of my roots and my vision to empower local women," she shares with pride, gesturing to her collection of colourful, intricately designed kurtis.

Across the aisle, Rakuli Banerjee from Hugli, West Bengal, presents a different kind of craftsmanship: jewellery made from natural seeds like sunflower and watermelon. A one-of-a-kind offering, her collection is celebrated for its eco-friendly design and affordable pricing, with pieces starting at just ₹50. "The support from my family enabled me to venture into something unique," says Banerjee, who has spent over 15 years in this line of work and is the only seller in West Bengal specializing in this type of jewellery.

For those inclined towards traditional weaves, Gautam from West Bengal brings hand-batik sarees, salwar suits, and stoles—a tribute to the revered Tagorean art form that he aims to revive. Gautam, a fine arts diploma holder, channels his inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of bringing batik to India. "This craft is nearly extinct, and I want to keep it alive," he says. Having taught and employed local artists in batik work, Gautam’s designs are not only beautiful but imbued with a mission of cultural preservation.

Further appealing to the modern festive shopper is the mother-daughter duo of Meenakshi and Ankita Roy. With Meenakshi’s background in medical research and Ankita’s fashion design expertise, they’ve created a trendy, youthful line of tops and blouses that merges traditional Dhakai with modern cuts. "Using unconventional materials like the humble gamchha, we bring comfort and style together," Ankita explains. With prices ranging from ₹350 to ₹1500, their collection resonates with younger shoppers looking for unique, budget-friendly finds.

Shoppers, too, are relishing the vibrant diversity of this year’s offerings. Sisters Karamjeet and Amarjeet, both in their late twenties, expressed their excitement at discovering such unique, affordable attire from different regions under one roof. "The craftsmanship here is unparalleled," says Amarjeet. Meanwhile, Gulbir Kaur, 53, a regular visitor to the CII Chandigarh Fair, emphasized the durability and quality of the products. “It’s so much more meaningful to support local artisans. I always find something extraordinary here,” she shares, holding a newly bought necklace.

In the Haute Couture section, every product tells a story—of dreams realized, of family legacies, of communities uplifted. The fair provides an invaluable platform for artisans like Jayshree Ben, Rakuli, Gautam, and the Roy family to showcase their talent and connect with a broader audience. "The CII Chandigarh Fair has been instrumental in helping us reach people who value authentic, handcrafted products," says Gautam, echoing a sentiment shared by many exhibitors.